I left school at 16 and started selling kitchens door-to-door, after 2-3 years in the kitchen industry I moved to Autoglass as a sales manager. I joined SBS in July 1992 as a driver and then onto roles such as: warehouse, tube stores, trade counter and sales office, before becoming the associate director in 1999. Since, I became the Joint Managing director in 2006 and finally the Managing Director in 2017.
Director Corner
Steve Smith
Managing Director
Short Bio
Quick fire questions:
1. Interesting fact about yourself?
I’m learning to fly.
2. Favourite quote?
Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.
4. Best invention?
The internet.
5. Biggest challenge moving forward for the HVAC marketplace?
Integrating both product and service advancements into the industry which remain customer focused.
David Bryson
Financial Director
Short Bio
Joined the business back in 1988 where I covered multiple financial roles within the Smith Brothers umbrella. After the potential and growth of the business became apparent, I solely concentrated on SBS Ltd as Financial Director after the turn of the millennium. I currently oversee all accounts, transport and property decisions within the business, which has obviously significantly increased over the years.
Quick fire questions:
1. Interesting fact about yourself?
Don’t like football & keen follower of F1
2. Favourite quote?
Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.
3. Biggest inspirational person living or dead?
John Button – the dedication shown and his selfless nature to help his son achieve his dreams before his passing.
4. Best invention?
Calculator
5. Biggest challenge moving forward for the HVAC marketplace?
Making sure situations like the Carillion scenario doesn’t affect confidence with all the stakeholders invested in the industry.
Tony Smith
Sales Director
Short Bio
Going back to 1977 I started out with R.Pochin & Son (now Pochin) a local plumbing and heating merchant until 1981. I then proceeded to work out of the same premises for the next 18 years with multiple companies due to ownership changes. One of them being PTS who purchased approximately six branches of the 20+ branch network of MCP which went in to administration, where I was Sales Manager in the East Midlands region. Not long after BSS bought PTS I moved across to Smith Brothers in 1999 where I obviously remain today. I have turned my hand at multiple job roles over the years but specialised within sales, becoming Director in 2005.
Quick fire questions:
1. Interesting fact about yourself?
I am world ranked at Pinball and have played at the World Championships for Table Tennis and represented Leicestershire
2. Favourite quote?
Good Friends are like stars, you don’t always see them but you know they are there.
4. Best invention?
Mine a Million Board Game
5. Biggest challenge moving forward for the HVAC marketplace?
Maintaining the correct levels of importance on safety, performance, environment and cost. A balance is needed, but neglect of one area, can have damaging consequences.
Martin Denton
Director
Short Bio
I started out as an Irrigation Systems Fitter, and then I moved to the Commercial/Mechanical sector working as an Area Sales Representative for Brown & Tawse around the year of 1989. In December 1996, Wolsely substantially acquired Brown & Tawse, and I Spent the following two years as Branch Manager for Pipe Center in Leeds. After, I left to join an Independent merchant called Warrens, which were a one outlet operation in Oldham. Warrens opened up a branch in Leeds and was then shortly followed by branches in Birmingham and London where it subsequently got sold to BSS in December 2005. I then joined Smith Brothers in June 2006 and the rest is history as they say…
Quick fire questions:
1. Interesting fact about yourself?
Born in Perth, Western Australia, as one of twins.
2. Favourite quote?
In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is King.
3. Biggest inspirational person living or dead?
The Taxman – the more I pay him/her the more I am earning.
4. Best invention?
Satellite Navigation – makes my life a whole lot easier.
5. Biggest challenge moving forward for the HVAC marketplace?
Online trading.
David Wildman
Director
Short Bio
I joined SBS in September 2006 after Warren’s acquisition by BSS 9 months earlier. Initially, I started as a Branch Manager for the new Oldham branch which opened in October 2006 before joining the board in 2008. I currently am responsible for five branches that are: Oldham, Birmingham, Thurrock, Heathrow and Merseyside.
Quick fire questions:
1. Interesting fact about yourself?
I speak Greek.
2. Favourite quote?
Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well.
3. Biggest inspirational person living or dead?
Nelson Mandela.
4. Best invention?
Electricity.
5. Biggest challenge moving forward for the HVAC marketplace?
Recruiting and keeping quality staff.